July 9, 2026.
foto: PSL
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco announced new measures to protest U.S. immigration policies, following the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or during operations.
“The president has instructed us to initiate strong legal action in response to this deeply painful tragedy,” explained the foreign minister while participating in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s press conference.
He explained that Mexico will request support from the Attorney General’s Office to file complaints with state prosecutors’ offices and the U.S. Department of Justice against those responsible for the deaths of 14 Mexicans in detention centers and three more during operations.
The government will also take civil action against the private companies that operate the detention centers where the deaths occurred. These measures will include formal letters demanding an end to conditions that violate human rights.
In addition, Mexico will coordinate with civil society organizations to request the intervention of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and will strengthen its dialogue with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“The priority of our work is always the defense of human rights for our citizens, which is why we are initiating legal action today. It will be the central focus of our discussions with the U.S. government,” she said.
Until now, Mexico’s response had consisted of legal and humanitarian support for the families, the issuance of 11 diplomatic notes, efforts through the IACHR, and requests for the commission to urgently review each case.
Sheinbaum had already indicated that her administration would adopt a more firm strategy: “We cannot allow our brothers and sisters to be mistreated. They have no reason to be in detention centers or to be victims of violence. We are preparing legal measures,” she said a few days ago.
On Tuesday, ICE agents shot and killed Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who joined the list of at least 58 immigrants who have died during ICE operations or while in ICE custody, amid President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration policies.